Hey there, friends! Do sensory socks equal calmness for children with SPD?
Today we’re going to talk about something super cool and helpful for kids with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD).
Have you ever heard of sensory socks? They might look like regular ol’ socks, but they are so much more.
Think of them like a cozy hug for your feet that can help bring calmness and comfort to your whole body.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Do sensory socks equal calmness?
Seeing as sensory socks can calm kids with SPD, they can equal to calmness.
For kids with SPD, the world can feel overwhelming and chaotic at times.
It’s like being in a busy carnival where all the sights, sounds, smells, and textures are coming at you from every direction.
It can be hard to focus or relax when everything feels too loud or scratchy or bright.
That’s where sensory socks come in – they provide gentle pressure on your feet and create a soothing sensation that helps regulate your nervous system.
So let’s dive into the research and see if these special socks really do make a difference for kiddos with SPD (1)!
Sensory Socks: A Tool For Sensory Integration Therapy?
Hey there! Did you know that over 80% of children with sensory processing disorders struggle with wearing regular socks due to their sensitivity to touch and texture?
But don’t worry, this is where sensory socks come in handy! Sensory socks are specially designed for individuals who need extra input and support when it comes to regulating their senses.
These types of socks have become increasingly popular among occupational therapists as a tool for sensory integration therapy.
Sensory socks can be made from various materials such as cotton, polyester, or spandex.
The material used depends on the individual’s preference and level of sensitivity.
Some sensory socks even come equipped with moisture-wicking technology to keep feet dry during physical activities.
Additionally, these specialized socks come in all sizes – from infants to adults – so everyone can benefit from them regardless of age or foot size.
While they may cost more than regular socks, the benefits they provide make them well worth the investment.
The Science Behind Sensory Socks And Their Impact On The Brain
Source: 1 Stop Sensory Shop
Let’s talk about the science behind sensory socks and how they can impact the brain.
Sensory issues are mainly caused by a difficulty in processing information from our senses, which includes touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.
As we know that deep pressure touch (2) can help reduce anxiety levels and improve body awareness for children with sensory processing disorders, this is where sensory socks come into play.
Sensory socks provide proprioceptive input to the feet through deep pressure touch.
These types of socks have more material than regular cotton or wool socks and compress tightly around the feet without restricting blood flow.
They also stimulate neuropathy within the feet while providing comfort for those who suffer from tactile sensitivity.
By stimulating these systems together, it creates an overall calming effect on the nervous system which enables children to focus better and engage in outdoor activities with ease.
Sensory Socks Vs.Other Sensory Tools: Which Is More Effective?
Now that we’ve talked about sensory socks as a tool for providing deep pressure touch and tactile input, you might be wondering how they compare to other sensory tools out there.
While every child with a sensory processing disorder is different and may prefer certain tools over others, here are some things to consider when comparing sensory socks to other options:
- Sensory toys: These can provide similar tactile input as sensory socks, but often require the child to actively engage with them rather than passively receiving the input from wearing socks.
- Weighted blankets/vests: Like sensory socks, these provide deep pressure touch, but may not be practical or comfortable for all situations (such as during school or while playing outside).
- Fidgets: These small objects can help regulate a child’s nervous system by giving their hands something to do, but don’t provide the same level of overall body stimulation as sensory socks.
Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for your individual child.
Some kids may benefit most from using multiple types of tools throughout the day, while others may stick to just one favorite item.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what helps your child feel calmest and most regulated.
Are sensory socks a worthwhile investment for children with sensory processing disorders? Let’s explore that next…
Are Sensory Socks A Worthwhile Investment For Children With Sensory Processing Disorders?
Did you know that the proprioceptive system is responsible for our awareness of where our body parts are in space and how much pressure we need to apply during activities such as writing or holding a glass?
For children with sensory processing disorders, this system can be impacted, making it difficult for them to engage in daily activities.
Occupational therapists recommend incorporating sensory input into these activities to improve body awareness and comfort.
Sensory socks can provide an additional layer of comfort and stimulation for individuals with sensory processing disorders during static positions like sitting or sleeping.
These durable cotton socks come in various styles such as show socks, neuropathy socks, pair of hiking socks, burly socks, comfortably-padded socks, and even full-body sock suits!
While they may seem like a small addition, the influence of sock addition can make a big difference in promoting calmness and focus during activities.
More on do sensory socks engage.
Exploring The Benefits Of Sensory Socks For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
As an autism specialist, I can confidently say that sensory socks are a game-changer for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
These compression socks provide the perfect amount of pressure on your feet and legs to promote blood circulation.
This makes them incredibly helpful in calming down children who have sensory processing disorders.
Sensory socks come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose the correct size for maximum effectiveness.
Here are some benefits of using sensory socks:
- They help increase focus and attention during extracurricular activities.
- The use of recycled materials promotes sustainability while helping to reduce waste.
- They offer relief from discriminatory touch pathways by providing consistent tactile input.
Overall, there is no denying that sensory socks can bring calmness and comfort to individuals with ASD.
Their ability to regulate residual limb volume changes through absolute volume control aids in creating a more peaceful environment.
Blood vessels benefit greatly from this as well because they thrive when blood circulation is flowing freely throughout the body.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these amazing products, give them a try and see how much calmer life can be!
Conclusion
In conclusion, as someone who works with children with sensory processing disorders on a daily basis, I can confidently say that sensory socks have the potential to be a valuable tool in aiding these individuals.
While they may not be the only solution or even the best for every child, they offer an alternative option for those struggling with tactile defensiveness.
Like adding salt to soup, sensory socks provide just enough extra stimulation for some children’s brains to process and organize incoming signals more effectively.
Additionally, while other sensory tools like weighted blankets or fidget toys may provide similar benefits, sensory socks offer the added benefit of providing proprioceptive input through compression.
Overall, if you are considering investing in sensory socks for your child or client with a sensory processing disorder, I would encourage you to give them a try.
They may just be the missing ingredient needed to bring calmness and comfort into their lives.
References
- https://www.webmd.com/children/sensory-processing-disorder
- https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/deep-pressure-therapy#:~:text=Deep%20pressure%20or%20deep%20touch,squeezing%2C%20compression%2C%20or%20swaddling.
